a new chapter

As I sit on our couch looking at all the things being packed away it brings tears to my eyes. Tears of sadness because we will be boarding a plane on Friday and leaving this beautiful country. Tears of joy because of what lies ahead and because of all the Lord has done in our 18 months of living here. Tears of hope for whats to come. Our emotions are everywhere right now and it's always hard to put how we feel down on a piece of paper. Last week Nathan and I were blessed with the opportunity to get away and spend some special time together reflecting on our time serving in Cape Town. We were able to travel and see some more of this country that we have called home for the past 18 months. I am so grateful that we were able to get away and have that time together.

Now, here we are, 3 days away from boarding a plane back to the home of the free and the brave. There are many things that excite me about going home, especially seeing our precious family and friends. I'm ready to hug the necks of my parents, in-laws, grandparents, and my sweet best friends who have been nothing but an encouragement since we have been here. I'm excited about setting up our home wherever that may be and making new friends. I'm excited to continue to support Nathan as he pursues his dreams and remind him daily to focus his heart and mind on Christ, the giver of all things. One of my favorite things about living here in South Africa is how simple life is on a day to day basis. People truly care about getting to know you and your story. They don't worry about time like we do in America. While this has been frustrating sometimes, I know it will be something I miss once I get home. The fast pace way of life back in the states isn't something they know here. They enjoy each day as it comes and count their blessings, no matter how big or small. I am challenged by that and pray that I can take that lesson home with me. I pray that I can be as intentional as my friends here have been to me. I have learned so much from the people God has placed in our lives. Whether that be how to take each day as it comes. How to love better. The characteristics of a good parent. What makes marriage work. Freedom in Christ. The abundance of grace that is poured over us daily. The way just one smile or hug can completely turn around a child's day. The joy found in a conversation. A helping hand. The importance of community. And how BIG our God truly is. I pray as we say our goodbyes this week that we have left a mark on this place. That our hand has left a print on the community of Red Hill and in the hearts of the children and teens we have worked with. I pray that not a day goes by where they don't know how much they are loved and cared for. I pray that they keep shining bright and that they continue to chase their dreams. I pray that their little hearts won't grow weary and they will strive to live like Christ daily.

The impact that this place has made on Nathan and I is bigger then any words I could put on a page. This place has changed us forever and our hearts leap thinking of the day we will all be reunited again. O how beautiful that day will be. For now, we leave with hearts rejoicing because of His faithfulness and love. We look forward to a new chapter that will be filled with it's own adventures and stories. A chapter where we will be able to look back years from now and see how God was molding us now for what's to come. For those who have supported and loved us from day one of this journey we are so thankful for you. We would never have been able to do this without you and for that we are so grateful. As we look to the future we do so with excitement for what He has planned. We can't wait to watch his plans for our lives unfold right before us. May He continue to get all the glory and may we always fix our eyes on Him in the years to come. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

our journey continues

2 years ago I started this blog and began to write about our journey to South Africa. I remember sitting in my apartment on my bed thinking about the future and all that was going to happen. I wrote...

"If you would have told me five years ago that I would be graduating from college, getting married to the most amazing guy in the world, and then picking up our new life and moving to South Africa I might have thought you were crazy. The past year of my life has had some of the most joyful times and some of the hardest times. Through everything one thing stayed consistent; the sovereignty and love of our Father. He has been preparing me for this season in my life from the very beginning. He has given me the desire to be a wife and love my husband unconditionally through everything. He has given me the passion and love for people that I wouldn't trade for anything in this world. Then He came along and grew my heart for the people of Cape Town and the ministry that is taking place there. He continued to show up in my life and truly showed me what it means to sacrifice and be obedient to His calling and not my own. As I look to the future and all the "unknowns" it excites me more then ever. I don't know exactly what the future looks like for my new family in South Africa, but I do know that my Father has gone before me and knows exactly how we're going to be used. I know there will be times of hardship, when it feels like we've hit a wall and there is no way around it. I pray that in those times we will cling to our Father's feet and let him guide us. Change can be scary sometimes, but the big change that is about to happen in my life is going to be one of the most exciting moments in my life. He has opened door after door to get us to this place. I have no doubt in my mind that Nathan and I are right in the center of His will for our life and I've never been in a better place. My prayer is that we cling to the words of Paul in Philippians 4. "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-REJOICE! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all that he has done. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus!" God has already blessed us beyond what we deserved and will continue to poor those blessings on us. Though the seasons will continue to change, I pray that the way we carry the name of Jesus will bring glory to his name always. In the midst of all the "unknowns" ahead of us, our God is the one thing that will never change. Thank you for this new season of life Father! I'm so excited and ready to experience ALL you have for us!"

Here we are, 2 years later, about to embark on another journey. The journey ahead has many unknowns but we believe we are right where He wants us to be. Our time here is coming to a close. The thought of getting on a plane in less then 3 weeks to fly home brings all sorts of emotions. We are excited to see all the Lord has for us in this next season, but are devastated to leave this place we have called home and deeply saddened to leave the ones we love behind. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving to our Father who has loved and been with us every step of the way. The One who has picked us up when we have been so far down. The One who brings us joy that surpasses all understanding. The One who is sovereign and through all the changes has been the one constant for us. As this beautiful chapter comes to a close, we are reminded of his goodness and grace. We give Him all the glory for the things that have been done and the things yet to come. And we hold tight to the moments that we have left, in the place that has stolen our heart.